I started physical therapy 3 weeks after my neck dissection and continued all through radiation and the period following. Treatments were twice a week and started with 20 minutes of wonderful moist heat on my neck and back, followed by the therapist doing stretching of the neck and arm, massaging the scar and working on the lymph build up under the chin. I then moved onto the equipment to further strengthen my arms and mobility. End of session was a 5 minute massage of my back and neck. If I start stiffening up, I go back for a tune up usually every couple of years. So while a patient might not be up to physical exercise, PT can help avoid the side effects from the neck dissection.

Take care,
Eileen